SERIOUS FRAUD SOLICITORS MANCHESTER: SFO DEFENCE LAWYERS
Our team of Serious Fraud Solicitors has successfully represented and advised clients in serious High Value Fraud cases since 1998.
If you or your business is facing allegations of serious high value fraud, it is essential that you contact a legal advisor before you make any important decisions.
Allegations of this nature can be extremely damaging to a company or individual so immediate specialist advice is vital in order to protect your rights, your business and your reputation.
Our fraud solicitors know how to use their wealth of experience to gain the best possible result for you. We will deal with the authorities on your behalf and advise you on how to face the investigation if you have been accused of committing a fraud offence - such as during interviews under caution.
If you have been accused of serious fraud and need specialist advice from qualified Serious Fraud Solicitors with a proven track record, call Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 266 7089. We’ve been successfully defending clients in fraud cases for over 20 years.
WHAT IS SERIOUS FRAUD?
Offences which fall into the category of serious fraud include high-value financial offences, which may involve organised criminal gangs, include bribery, corruption, benefit fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud and identity fraud. These crimes are characterised by acts of dishonesty intended to mislead a person, corporate entity or government department for high value financial gains.
Convictions for these crimes carry long custodial sentences and may also lead to a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This is done to recover the cash and assets gained through the criminal activity in question.
WHAT IS WHITE COLLAR CRIME?
White collar crime is the term used to describe non-violent acts of serious financial crimes and business crimes. This includes fraud, bribery, insider trading, tax evasion and money laundering committed by individuals, corporations and financial institutions.
At Draycott Browne, we have a specialist team of highly regarded Serious Fraud Solicitors who work closely with forensic accountants, barristers and other experts to mount a thorough and effective defence on behalf of our clients.
SFO INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS
Under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has unique powers and a unique approach to intelligence gathering regarding major fraud investigations. The SFO has the ability to compel any company or individual to hand over any information or documentation that it believes are relevant to their investigation. This includes material held abroad if there is a sufficient connection to the UK.
Until your home or business is raided by the SFO, it is unlikely that you will be aware that you are being investigated by the SFO. By the time you find out, the SFO will have already applied for search warrants and restraint orders or asset freezing orders.
For this reason, you will need the advice of a highly skilled team of defence lawyers with the experience and expertise of dealing with the SFO to achieve the best possible conclusion to the investigation.
We can assist at all stages of SFO investigations and prosecutions.
Draycott Browne provides specialist advice and representation on all areas of serious fraud, business crime, regulatory law, money laundering and serious financial crime matters. With extensive experience in all areas of white collar crime, and reputation as one of the UK’s leading criminal defence law firms, you can rely on us with confidence in your time of need.
EXPERT SERIOUS FRAUD DEFENCE SOLICITORS
Specialist knowledge and expertise in serious high value fraud is essential when seeking someone to act on your behalf in these cases. Draycott Browne can guarantee you a highly skilled and experienced team who will liaise with the SFO and the authorities on your behalf. We have 20 years experience of dealing with key enforcement agencies such as:
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
- The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
We will also deal with any complexities, robustly challenging any evidence made against you. We have a formidable reputation right across the industry for defending cases of serious high value fraud. Our team defends clients with tenacity and attention to detail, which helps us provide you with the best and most effective defence available.
If you must go to court, we will provide you with the first class, quality representation that you and your business deserve. Feel reassured knowing you have the best possible legal team behind you.
WHAT IS SERIOUS HIGH VALUE FRAUD?
Fraud is the act of deception for financial or personal gain. For high value cases, that personal gain must represent a substantial amount. This type of criminal offence is typically at the expense of another individual, business or organisation.
Crimes considered serious high value fraud include the following:
- Investment fraud - such as share scams and pyramid schemes
- Corporate fraud - such as asset stripping and fraudulent trading
- Bribery and corruption - such as political or corporate corruption
- Mortgage fraud - such as falsifying the application
- Money laundering - such as handling the proceeds of crime
High value fraud is committed though one of three deception methods:
- Providing false information
- A failure to disclose information
- An abuse of power
High value fraud cases are often high profile due to both the seriousness of the crime and the amount of money involved in the case. Our solicitors have first-hand experience of dealing with high-profile cases of public interest and will work tirelessly and discreetly to protect your rights during this time.
If you are facing allegations of fraud, contact our fraud investigations solicitors now for expert legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
WHO WILL INVESTIGATE YOUR CASE?
If you are under investigation or are currently facing charges of fraud, your case will be dealt with by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), an independent government agency that works closely with the police. They investigate and prosecute serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption.
An SFO investigation will look for any incriminating evidence that will support their case against you, and use any evidence found to prosecute you. Where necessary, forensic accountants, data analysts and IT specialists will investigate financial discrepancies and inaccuracies to identify fraudulent activity, financial misrepresentation or misconduct.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) may investigate if there are reasonable grounds to suspect:
- conspiracy to defraud
- theft from a company
- fraudulent trading
- bribery and corruption
- tax evasion
Under the powers of The Proceeds of Crime Act, the SFO may also pursue individuals who have financially benefited from criminal activity.
It is vital that you seek immediate help from a skilled SFO Investigation Defence Lawyer who has the technical expertise to deal with all the information as efficiently and quickly as possible.
CORPORATE SELF-REPORTING
When wrongdoings are discovered within a business, the decision may be taken to self-report the violations of the law to the authorities. There are several reasons to be some including avoiding prosecution, receiving more lenient treatment, and for reputational reasons.
The advent of deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) in the UK may have led to a change in the way companies deal with criminal investigations, as corporations can avoid a conviction by cooperating fully.
Although by no means limited to this area, self-reporting is most commonly associated with offences under the Bribery Act 2010.
The act of self-reporting may be taken into consideration when the SFO determines whether or not to prosecute. However, they must be satisfied that the report is a genuine attempt by the corporate management team to address the issue when the offence is brought to their attention.
This includes the remedial actions taken and compensation for victims.
Self-reporting is a decision that should be taken extremely seriously and with the advice of an experienced fraud investigation lawyer.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR SERIOUS HIGH VALUE FRAUD?
In the most serious fraud cases, lengthy prison sentences can be given along with hefty fines. The court will take into consideration the financial harm and impact done to the victim. It will also consider any factors beyond financial loss that may have an impact. For example, where money has been generated fraudulently to fund large-scale organised crime that targets vulnerable people, such as the supply of drugs or human trafficking.
CONTACT OUR TEAM OF SERIOUS FRAUD DEFENCE SOLICITORS TODAY
Due to the seriousness and complexity of high value fraud cases, it is essential you have access to experienced legal experts who will guide you every step of the way.
Draycott Browne’s Fraud Lawyers are nationally regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts across all matters of fraud.
Our Fraud Defence Specialists possess a breadth of knowledge that is unrivalled in the industry and we take great pride in our dedication and professionalism. We are relentless in the pursuit of achieving the best result possible for all of our clients. Our team will continuously work hard on your behalf with an attention to detail and tenacity that is second to none.
Our Serious Fraud Solicitors have practised within this area of law for over 25 years. Their experience and expertise in even the most complex and sophisticated of cases means you’ll have the best possible chance of a successful outcome to the challenge you are facing.
Draycott Browne is one of the UK's top criminal law firms. We regularly provide specialist criminal defence representation in cases involving serious high value fraud to clients in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Birmingham and throughout the whole of England and Wales.
When facing serious consequences, trust in Draycott Browne's Criminal Law Experts. You cannot afford to settle for anything less. Call our serious high value fraud team today on +44 (0)161 266 7089.